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Definition, concepts and research about leisure time

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International Journal of Innovative Research and Knowledge Volume-5 Issue-2, February 2020

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF
INNOVATIVE RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE
ISSN-2213-1356 www.ijirk.com

Definition, Concepts and Research about Leisure Time

George F. Zarotis*
Faculty of Human Sciences, University of the Aegean, Rhodes, Greece
Walter Tokarski
German Sport University, Cologne
*Corresponding Author

Abstract
Since the importance between work and leisure has shifted and at the same time prosperity has increased, the
value of leisure time has been increasingly appreciated. Leisure time has become a characteristic feature of
the quality of life of societies with a high level of development, and is particularly regarded as a measure of
personal freedom, participation in social life and the well-being of the citizens living in it. Leisure time not
only includes entertainment, recreation and a break from work, but also education, political and social action
as well as health orientation. The ultimate goal of this research is to approach the definition, concepts and
science of leisure time. The method adopted for the study was a review of the relevant literature. In the light of
the present study, it is evident that, as regards the definition of leisure time, it’s concept until today has not
been unambiguously defined. It is clear that leisure time unites temporal and emotional elements of action and
is constituted differently in every society, in which free time segments and subjective voluntary actions can be
chosen, and leisure time does not exist in tandem and independently of the social reality, but is an important
component of modern society. Therefore, leisure time as a constituent element of society constantly
determines the social life and the pattern of human thinking and perception. Social developments increasingly
perceive work and leisure as activities that, in contrast to the past, have a new relationship with each other.
In view of current social developments, as well as in relation to the European market and the widespread
changes in eastern and middle Europe, and in view of the expected developments in the field of leisure time,
the possibilities for predicting or estimating trends in the field of scientific methodology have so far been
insufficiently developed. Similar techniques, e.g. in the form of special analysis procedures (time series
analysis) or scenario techniques, so far have been used in exceptional cases. The development of appropriate
specialized tools or the unbiased acceptance and adaptation of appropriate methods by neighbouring

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scientific disciplines is essentially still at a preliminary stage, as regards the field of leisure time science, and
is a specific task for the coming years.

Key Words: Definitions & concepts about leisure time, Leisure time Science

INTRODUCTION
Leisure time has become a characteristic feature of the quality of life of societies with a high level of
development, and is particularly regarded as a measure of personal freedom, participation in social life and the
well-being of the citizens living in it. Leisure time not only includes entertainment, recreation and a break
from work, but also education, political and social action as well as health orientation. Correspondingly, the
concept of leisure time today is less univocal: Leisure time is what anyone understands with this term. It can
be anything. Work and leisure are no longer strictly separated areas of life: work can become leisure and
leisure can become work. The subjective appreciation of leisure time, the time budget available, and the
investment of people in leisure time have increased significantly over the last 50 years. At the same time the
leisure infrastructure is constantly being built. The basis for these events is that, despite the financial crises,
working hours are becoming less and incomes are constantly increasing. Leisure time has changed from being
a time solely for rest and consumption, like it was in 1950s up to 70s, to a time dedicated to experience and
enjoyment. The consequence of this is the constant search for new impulses, challenges and the creation of
intellectual demands. Today's leisure time is the domain where people want to develop their lifestyles and the
organization dimensions of their daily life, as well as to find self-fulfilment. Thus, leisure time is no longer
solely the time that remains after work, but an independent and central part of life. The consequence of this
evolution is that in advanced societies a differentiated leisure time system has been developed (Freericks &
Brinkmann, 2015). The important elements of a leisure time system are the existence of a general right to
leisure time, the extensive inclusion of society members in the performance of the individual areas of the
leisure time system (culture, sports, media, tourism, entertainment) from a leisure time policy of any kind, the
existence of a fairly large leisure time market with public and private service providers, the acceptance of
leisure time from the occupational and working fields as well as the introduction of leisure time science with
the potential for education, initial and recurrent training in this professional field, and field of work, and the
creation of corresponding leisure time professions. In addition to the ideas of the determinants, which, like the
so-called 'negative definitions of leisure', emphasize the importance of work in leisure time, to date
propositions for explaining the relationship between work and leisure have always played a role in the
discussion about leisure time science. The most well-known propositions are the decompression proposition
(leisure is the domain where excess energy is diverted), the rest proposition (leisure has the central function of
rest), the cleansing proposition (leisure is the domain where feelings and mental stresses, suppressed at work,
are released), the counterbalance proposition (leisure is the domain where deficiencies, failures, burdens and
coercion from work are counterbalanced), the limitation proposition (limitations of work experience lead to
poorer leisure time), the generalization proposition (leisure time is the domain in which the range of
behaviours acquired at work is replicated) and the identity proposition (work is the domain, in which people
do what they would do in their leisure time).
Finally, these propositions can be summarized in three broader theoretical propositions, which are logically
derived from the following sentences: If leisure time is significantly contrary to work, the theory of contrast
applies, which may e.g. manifest itself in leisure time of counterbalance or revitalization. If there are
similarities between leisure and work, then the theory of proportion applies, which may for example manifest
itself in suspensive leisure time. If there is no direct correlation between leisure time and work, the theory of
neutrality applies; leisure and work are two independent areas of life, having their own quality. At present
these theoretical propositions have only been empirically investigated.

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The apparent plausibility of the theory of contrast - without providing convincing empirical evidence - has led
so far to the polarization of work and leisure in the context of opposing fields in public debate. Although the
assumptions underlying the theory of roles in the definitions of leisure time have been wholly accepted, they
are not taken into account further for the development of leisure time theories. Likewise, the functional
analysis of the leisure time subsystem of the total system of society as well as systems-based assumptions
have so far remained fragmented. Propositions based on the action theory have been found in many studies
but have not been elaborated as closed-loop leisure time models based on the action theory. Since the early
1980s, newer proposals have examined in more detail the correlation between leisure timer and lifestyle, and
here they see the possibility of drawing together the many detailed results of leisure time research through
life-style ideas in leisure time style. Here, lifestyle is meant as a thematically structured model of motivation,
behaviour, and experience in order to meet needs, accomplish tasks, and reach or achieve goals. The more
reasonable the use of the lifestyle proposition for leisure time research, the more difficult its
operationalization. Since the early 1990s the science of leisure time - and here in particular the psychology of
leisure time - has been dealing with time as a more general phenomenon that involves both work and leisure.
There are two directions here, but they have a definite relation to each other: on the one hand the focus is on
the sense of time, on the other on the time templates of the individuals. Here, time sense is understood as the
means for the individual to classify time and interpret changes he or she has perceived in any area of life.
Depending on the kind of time sense, leisure time has a certain meaning, where this in turn influences the
motivation, behaviour and experience of leisure time, and leads to actions. The use of time templates begins
with the acceptance that modern societies can be considered as individual systems, and from the synthesis of
time budget data and leisure time derives a model of society’s activities’ structure, its dynamics of reformation
and change, and the quality of life. In this application, time is examined from both real and ideal aspects, that
is, in addition to the actual time structures and time rhythms of the individuals, the subjectively desired or the
time structures and rhythms that exist as guiding ideas are examined. The basis for this is the sequence of
activities as well as the temporal relationships that are interrelated. In almost 50 years of its existence, leisure
time psychology has evolved from a study field "without a theory" to a discipline that may refer to existing
general psychological theories but has also developed - albeit to a lesser degree - original propositions of
leisure time Psychology. Social developments increasingly perceive work and leisure as activities that, unlike
the past, have a new relationship with each other (Zarotis et al., 2011).

METHODOLOGY
The present study is a bibliographical survey study that presents the critical points of existing knowledge
about a theoretical approach to the topic of "Definition, concepts and science of leisure".
There is no specialized and comprehensive research in this area. This study attempts to fill this gap and may
be a useful aid for those who will make similar efforts in the future. The main objective of the bibliographical
review is to integrate the study into the "body" of the subject in question. The review of the current study
refers to clearly formulated questions and uses systematic and explicit criteria for the critical analysis of a
published paper by summarizing, sorting, grouping and comparing.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REVIEW STUDY

Theoretical directions of the concept and perception of leisure time
In the relevant literature there is a significant number of leisure time definitions, something that reflects the
wide variety of leisure and the large voluntary leisure time phenomenon. The so-called "negative definitions
of leisure time", which perceive as leisure the time that remains after work, and after deducting time for sleep,
food, transportation, etc. and therefore regard leisure as secondary, in the course of the developmental
dynamics of leisure time in advanced societies have been replaced by the so-called "positive definitions of
leisure time". These definitions have abolished the strict separation of work and leisure, and have emphasized

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the more subjective view of leisure. Endogenous sides mainly determine what leisure is. Correspondingly, as
regards the 'positive definitions of leisure', at the heart of the examination are the importance, content,
motivations, functions and ways of experiencing leisure time and they are defined in terms of development
potential, emancipation, integration and / or subjective will decisions, and are no longer defined as other
categories. In the same way, among the "positive definitions of leisure" there are definition propositions and
views that are based on role theory, holistic, life-style oriented, based on the system theory, as well as critical-
theoretical. By overcoming the primacy of work in defining leisure time and understanding it, as well as
emphasizing roles, wholeness, lifestyles, of systems-oriented and critical social elements, the science of
leisure time has evolved from an empirical, without a theory, research field that brings together many
unrelated sub-elements into a discipline.
To date, in the scientific literature there is no agreement on a single definition of the concept of leisure time
(Zarotis et al., 2011; Dux, 2017). Agricola (1990) classifies the concept of leisure time in the following four
theoretical directions:
«1. Leisure time as a subcategory of work. 2. Leisure time as an ideological and functional separate part of
everyday life, which, while still intertwined with work, has a very significant potential. 3. Leisure time as a
separate domain of a socio-cultural lifestyle of the post-industrial society. 4. Leisure time as an integrated
component of general time structures, overestimated as a domain of life and time, and therefore analytical».
(AGRICOLA, 1990, 40).

Franke, Becker, Digel, Klein, & Pilz (1983) confirm that people primarily regard 'leisure time' as the opposite
of work. This negative definition is mainly suited for the delimitation of the free time of employees who have
a completely set work schedule. For this large category, leisure time can actually be the opposite of work.
Thus, employees' leisure time data are often interpreted as an indication of a general increase in leisure time.
This narrow notion of leisure time applies to those who work as employees and, given the high quantitative
importance of this group, it certainly provides useful results.
However, this interpretation raises problems when it comes to housewives, artists and freelancers, because
these groups have very variable working hours. Accurately identifying their free time is difficult in this sense
of leisure. Pupils, students, apprentices, unemployed and retired people do not regularly earn a living. But
that doesn't mean they have unlimited free time. By definition, these groups do not fit into this model of
leisure either (JUETTING, 1983). Eichler's objection is justified that leisure as the opposite of work only
describes a period of time, but does not permit any evidence of the content of that leisure time (cited in:
JUETTING, 1983).
Another point of criticism is that the narrow definition of the concept of leisure as time without work ignores
the increasing time spent on obligations, such transportation to work, house chores, child care, social and
family obligations, etc., which in turn reduce the free time found. For this reason, a subjective concept of
leisure time would sometimes be more useful, because for everyone leisure becomes the 'right' leisure time
with subjective criteria. The subjective perception of leisure is supported by many authors. Tokarski believes
that leisure time is subjectively experienced, according to Andreae leisure is the feeling that one has free time,
Neulinger considers leisure time as a state of mind and for Iso Ahola it is a subjective perception (all are cited
in: OPASCHOWSKI, 1993, 27). The importance of this subjective concept of leisure time is confirmed by a
study carried out in 1989 by the Leisure Research Institute B.A.T. According to this study, 53% of the
respondents reported that despite the reduced work time, they were subjectively feeling that they did not have
sufficient leisure time (OPASCHOWSKI, 2012). Franke, Becker, Digel, Klein, & Pilz (1983) describe two
basic concepts of leisure time that have been established in leisure time research, the so-called complementary
theories, and contrast theories. Complementary theories view work as a structural principle of central
importance in human life, while leisure time has a complementary function. Complementary theories are

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rooted in the Calvinist-Protestant work ethic of the 6th century and were crucial until the end of
industrialization.
Work was used as an instrument for the road to religious self-cleansing; the absence of work or other
employment in free time was undesirable. Later these were further developed by capitalist and Marxist
ideologies. Labour remains an essential pillar in capitalism, for it alone makes economic profit possible.
Leisure time is downgraded in the face of workforce recovery. In Marxism the alienation of labour is
denounced by the enhanced division of labour. This alienation impedes human self-realization in the context
of work. Contrast theories view leisure time as an autonomous field of action and a pursued situation of self-
determined time, which is in contrast to dependent employment. Increasing free time, reducing work-related
physical burden and shifting importance from work to leisure are positively assessed. The standards of work
ethics, such as performance and competition, have no place in leisure time. Contrasting theories are becoming
increasingly important in highly industrialized societies. They contributed to the revival of the ideal of Greek
humanism and to the organization of work. Labour serves mainly as a means to an end, having lost its own
value. The increasing division and the alienation of labour in modern economic systems have created an
increased need for leisure time. The working people are only partially involved in the overall production
process of a product. They lack the ability to identify with their work and experience the success of
participating in as many stages of the overall production process as possible, and finally creating their own
product. Since self-realization is often lacking in the workplace, it should be sought more in leisure time.
Opaschowski substantiates this view in his own studies of 1988 and 1989 (OPASCHOWSKI, 1992).
The domain of leisure time then becomes increasingly independent and comes to be a separate area of life in
which people can regain the joy of life because they can find there pleasure, entertainment and fun. That is
why free time is worth pursuing. In this sense we can talk about the increasing importance of leisure in today's
society. Indeed, JUETTING (1983) talks about the leisure time society that emerged from industrial society.
Its characteristics are "the abundance of goods, energy and time, the constant improvement of living standards
and prosperity as a whole" (JUETTING, 1983, 28).
In leisure time research there is widespread agreement that free time has increased. Thus, for example, it
results in "1/3 time saved from reducing house work, 2/3 from reducing professional work" (TOKARSKI &
SCHMITZ-SCHERZER, 1985, 65).
The evolution of leisure time depends on working time. On the basis of this interdependence, the future
developments of leisure time should always be considered in conjunction with the evolution of working time.
This in turn has decreased for large sections of the population. An indicator for the reduced working time is a
table of the collective annual working time of industrial workers (DGF, 1995). The annual working time
contains real reductions in weekly working hours as well as the increased vacation requirements in relation to
the past. According to this table, weekly working time is reduced and leisure time increases. It took only a
century to reach, from the 60-hour week with six working days in 1990, the 35-hour week with five working
days in the metallurgical industry in 1996 (also compared to OPASCHOWSKI, 1993).
Regarding the relationship between leisure time and working time, a further increase in leisure time is
generally considered to be certain compared to working time. This is due to the decrease of the working time
in a person's life (longer training and early retirement with a longer life expectancy), a decrease in annual
working time (increased vacation days and flexibility of working hours) as well as a decrease in weekly and
daily work time.
In 1964 the ratio of annual leisure time to work time was approximately 1: 1 (TOKARSKI & SCHMITZ-
SCHERZER, 1985). Only 20 years later, in the mid-1980s, this relationship had already changed to 3: 2 in
favour of leisure time (Agricola, 1990; Digel, 1990; DGfZP, 2005).

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This rapid development of leisure time, which is being reviewed, leads Opaschowski to talk about the century
of leisure. According to him, the reason for this process is on the one hand the increased labour productivity,
which is strongly supported by the increasing use of technology, on the other hand the reduction of working
time, which is used as a means of tackling unemployment. However, considering it subjectively, people do not
perceive the increase in leisure time (OPASCHOWSKI, 2012).
Looking at it from an objective angle, never before had a generation so much free time. Leisure time on
weekdays over the last forty years has increased from 1.5 hours (Allensbach, 1952) to 4.1 hours (B.A.T
Institute, 1992).
Weekend free time increased from 1.5 to 2 days, and vacation time more than tripled from 9 to 31 days. But
the objectively perceived gain of leisure time subjectively does not contradict the corresponding sense of
leisure '(OPASCHOWSKI, 1993, 17).
Opaschowski's position is substantiated in the results of a 1989 study by the Leisure Research Institute B.A.T.
More than half of the respondents (53%) in this survey complain about lack of free time despite a significant
reduction in working time (which only partially compensates them, due to the increased time consumed by
their obligations) (OPASCHOWSKI, 2012). And Rittner points out the growing complaints of tension,
anxiety and overburdening of the population. In his opinion, there is a need for time and a lack of time despite
the increased leisure time (RITTNER, 1987). According to Franke, Becker, Digel, Klein, & Pilz (1983), the
reason is that prosperity and consumer demands increase relatively faster than free time. Consequently, leisure
time is an item in shortage:
"Because leisure time, when experienced subjectively, seems to be too little, it is increasingly valued as more
precious and of greater worth. Working people are really chasing the multifaceted possibilities of leisure time
- even for fear of losing something”(OPASCHOWSKI, 1993, 18). The consequence of this attitude is the
stress of leisure time, which is becoming more and more common.
By a rough estimate, the modern man spends only one sixth of his life at school or at work. Therefore, 5/6 of
the lifetime is 'leisure time' and can be filled with various activities or tranquillity (LAMPRECHT &
STAMM, 1994). Leisure time activities range from sleep and rest, 'caring for the family', 'looking out of the
window in reverie', watching television, reading, listening to music, home constructions, work in the garden,
sports, concerts / cinema, visiting friends or travelling.
People do not feel all the activities they do in their free time as leisure. Particularly, women’s daily routine
demonstrates clearly that leisure time is dependent on the context. A number of activities, e.g. taking the
children out for a walk, depending on the circumstances, they are perceived either as an obligation or as
leisure. This example makes it clear that leisure is not defined by the activity itself, but by the "experience"
associated with it (Dollase, 1995; Dollase et al., 2013).
A comprehensive understanding of leisure time is based on the criteria of perception / experience', 'time' and
'activity', taking into account gender, age and also the stratum to which one belongs as a social class. Thus the
definition of leisure as a counterpart to labour was expanded as a window into the time used to renew the
workforce. In the meantime, leisure time has expanded enormously and with its multifaceted occupation
opportunities it takes on a self-evident position in the life of modern humans. Free time is no longer
exclusively associated with renewal and relaxation, but with concepts such as alternation, experience,
liberation and self-development.
Positive definitions of leisure time strive to respond to these developments by defining the content of leisure
as an autonomous social system of action that is oriented beyond the narrow perspective of time. Thus,
leisure time becomes an area of action, which is no longer restricted only negatively by work, but has its own
creative characteristics. LUEDKE (1975) extended, for example, the traditional definition of leisure time as
"[. . .] free time plus freely selected action."

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KELLY (1982) completely abandons the temporal side and states: "Leisure is activity chosen for its relative
quality of satisfaction". These definitions shift the problem from precisely defining the boundaries of work to
defining the content of concepts like self-selection, freedom or satisfaction, and in addition it is unjustifiably
based on the assumption that performance at work and voluntary elements of leisure time cannot
fundamentally be demonstrated.
Thus, - even using the positive definition of leisure time - it is extremely necessary to create the link to work
so that we can decide on the way work is related to leisure, in order to affiliate leisure time in a social context.
Summarizing the definition of leisure time, it is true that to date the concept of leisure has not been
unambiguously defined. It is clear that leisure unites temporal and emotional elements of action and is
constituted differently in every society, in which leisure time segments and subjective voluntary actions can
be selected, and 'leisure does not exist in parallel with and independently of social reality, but is an important
constituent of modern society (LAMPRECHT & STAMM, 1994). Therefore, leisure as a constituent element
of society constantly determines the social life and the pattern of human thinking and perception.

Leisure time research as a spectrum science

The concept of leisure time science to date has not been established either internationally or in the German-
speaking areas. However experts consider such an establishment necessary and think that it has already been
delayed. Instead of a term, synonyms such as leisure time research, leisure time theory, leisure time studies,
etc. are commonly used. The form and level of leisure time research are respectively heterogeneous.
Overall the development of leisure time science is lagging behind the development of leisure time practice;
the great need to supplement leisure time science, leisure time research and leisure time theory is evident- as
always that is -. This is in particular due to the difficulty of unambiguously and precisely defining the subject
of the research. Thus, in the German-speaking world different concepts are confused with one another, such
as leisure time, recreation, rest, entertainment, education, sports, culture, media, tourism, etc.
In view of current social developments, as well as in relation to the European market and the widespread
changes in eastern and middle Europe, and in view of the expected developments in the field of leisure time,
until now, the possibilities for predicting or estimating trends in the field of scientific methodology have not
been sufficiently developed. Similar techniques, e.g. in the form of special analysis procedures (time series
analyses) or scenario techniques, so far have been used in exceptional cases.
The development of appropriate specialized tools or the unbiased acceptance and adaptation of appropriate
methods by neighbouring disciplines is still essentially at a prime stage as regards leisure time science and is a
specific task for the coming years. Due to the special nature of leisure time science as a spectrum science or
an intertemporal science, a large number of methodical applications have been applied in the past that have
their origins in the fields of Pedagogy, Social Sciences, Social Psychology, Science of Culture, Media
Science, Sports Science, etc. (Zarotis et al., 2011). At this point, time budget research is - especially
internationally - a particularly important part of empirical leisure time research. Thus in previous years it has
been possible to gain basic knowledge about time expenditure (extent) and time consumption (use) in
comparable industrial companies (OPASCHOWSKI, 2008). Time budget studies on the one hand have the
advantage of providing a useful empirical basis in the field of leisure time, but at the same time they have a
relatively multifaceted character. In view of this theoretical and methodical lack of classical time budget
searches, in recent years a new theoretical proposal has emerged, which by constructing 'time templates' (i.e.
the time combination and the individual evaluation of certain activities and successive activities) complements
the objectively found ways of behaviour with a subjective and individual evaluation of these activities. Thus,
as opposed to what was common so far, activities are not just registered for a certain period of time, but rather
formative constructs are developed, which codetermine as ideal or real logical, cognitive representations,
innate, time-socially acquired or motivated manifestations of the actions of people, organizations, and legal

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entities in all aspects of temporal structure (Dollase, 1995; Dollase et al., 2013). Deficiencies in leisure time
research are particularly evident in the inadequate data, which e.g. they impede comparative research in an
international context. Correspondingly, internationally comparable and methodically compatible
investigations are an exception. Leisure time science and leisure time research have been carried out so far
almost exclusively in national context. Here too, there is important need for replenishment in view of the
European developments in the fields of economics, politics or culture. As is the case with other disciplines, in
recent years, also in the field of leisure time research there has been an increasing need for information
services. The few leisure time research institutes have been collecting and processing multifaceted
information for some years now. With the increasing spread of information and communication technology
such as the use of computers and the Internet, it is now possible to make this highly extensive data available to
a wider (scientific) audience. The versatile capabilities of modern electronic data processing can be used both
for the transfer of data and for their preparation and processing. In the future, a stronger link between the
hitherto developed applications and methods of leisure time science should be promoted. In view of the
increasing social importance of leisure time, in parallel we should consider the important current problems,
which are urgent future tasks particularly as regards European policy, such as the understanding between
different peoples', peacekeeping, social security, economic development, environmental protection, energy
and nutrition, urban development etc. Another conceptual and systematic clarification of the science of leisure
time and its central concepts needs to be pursued. Despite the remarkable scientific work in some areas of the
leisure time sector, it appears that there are major shortcomings. The subject of leisure time research, namely
it’s clear delimitation of the other scientific fields, seems to be very different even in individual European
countries, and exists only on terms of their compatibility. Social, cultural and historical contexts form the
basis for different concepts of "leisure time" and different scientific research applications. So far, there is no
consistent and binding theoretical framework as well as an internationally comparable scientific application
that could link together the currently fruitful local research of individual European countries.
Stronger scientific cooperation by European leisure time researchers would help improve this situation.
Various efforts, such as e.g. proposals to set up European or international research networks (European
Leisure and Recreation Association-ELRA or World Leisure and Recreation Association-WLRA) contribute
to the reduction of these shortcomings. Communication and co-operation between European leisure scientists
can be greatly improved by special meetings of a suitable form.
In the meantime, in view of the very broad thematic area and the speed of current developments in the field of
leisure time, smaller Workshops on specific topics need to be carried out at regular intervals, such as e.g.
tourism, education and professions, information systems etc. In addition, a stronger institutional link between
leisure time science and university systems should be promoted, as well as the establishment of leisure time
science research institutes, national and international leisure research programs, the establishment of a central
leisure science research agency of the European Union, regular international, national and local meetings and
conferences of European leisure time scientists, the establishment of a network of institutions in the field of
leisure time science, the development of a (scientific) leisure time policy in Europe and for Europe, the
development of new leisure time ethics, a new relationship between leisure time ethics and work ethics
(working time), a new philosophy of leisure time (Zarotis at. al., 2011).
Scientific research can be improved by the creation of information networks, and on the other hand, by the
establishment and development of appropriate documentation systems, valuable information services can be
offered for other social sectors. For various social sectors such as economics, science, politics or culture, the
importance of the leisure time sector in the broader sense in recent years is constantly increasing in relation to
certain aspects of leisure in the narrower sense. An efficient documentation system that scientifically
evaluates, collects and processes important information of various kinds could accompany the work of
financial, political or scientific institutions and support it on a scientific basis. The subject of leisure time

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science is the analysis and theoretical explanation of the leisure time system in its multifaceted
differentiations. Within this context, leisure time Psychology deals with motivation, perceptions, behaviours
and experiences as well as leisure learning processes, and along with Leisure Education, Leisure Sociology,
Leisure Economics, Leisure Philosophy, Geography and Social History, are some of the most important sub-
disciplines of leisure time science.
In the last 50 years or so, since leisure time has been established as a field of scientific practice, it has
processed a great deal of data on many different aspects of leisure, in particular leisure time behaviour. There
is significantly less knowledge available as regards leisure time motivation, interests during leisure time and
the experience of leisure. Since the early 1980s, the focus was mainly on quantitative and representative
studies, over the last 15 years, more and more new areas of knowledge have been opened which are being
examined qualitatively: such as for specific target groups, the areas of unemployment, leisure time for the
elderly, young people etc., or for specific topics, such as the environment, new media, tourism, sports, culture
and leisure.
Apart from the aforementioned difficulty of precisely defining the concept, it is noteworthy that the study of
leisure time, according to the 'secondary' or inferior importance of leisure time in society, has virtually always
taken place 'incidentally' (TOKARSKI & SCHMITZ-SCHERZER, 1985).
Leisure time science is not yet a Faculty in any of the Universities of the Federal Republic of Germany and in
the academic field it has not yet been recognized as an independent discipline. Leisure time research, as a part
of leisure time science, has its place in partnering commercial institutes with ministries, associations,
authorities and other public services as a socio-technical field of work. Nevertheless, in the context of
university research, the science of leisure time appears both in the Federal Republic of Germany and in many
other European countries only as a sub-discipline and generally falls under the areas of Pedagogy of Leisure,
Sociology, Economics Science, Geography or Psychology (Zarotis et al., 2011).

CONCLUSIONS
The definition of leisure as a counterpart to labour was expanded as a window into the time used to renew the
workforce. In the meantime, leisure time has expanded enormously and with its multifaceted occupation
opportunities it takes on a self-evident position in the life of modern man. Free time is no longer exclusively
associated with renewal and relaxation, but with concepts such as alternation, experience, liberation and self-
development. Positive definitions of leisure time strive to respond to these developments by defining the
content of leisure as an autonomous social system of action that is oriented beyond the narrow perspective of
time. Thus, leisure time becomes an area of action, which is no longer restricted only negatively by work, but
has its own creative characteristics.
The concept of leisure time science to date has not been established either internationally or in the German-
speaking world. However experts consider such an establishment necessary and think that it has already been
delayed. Instead of a term, synonyms such as leisure time research, leisure time theory, leisure time studies, etc.
are commonly used.
Leisure time research, as a part of leisure time science, has its place in partnering commercial institutes with
ministries, associations, authorities and other public services as a socio-technical field of work. Nevertheless,
in the context of university research, the science of leisure time appears both in the Federal Republic of
Germany and in many other European countries only as a sub-discipline and generally falls under the areas of
Pedagogy of Leisure, Sociology, Economics Science, Geography or Psychology.

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 International Journal of Innovative Research and Knowledge Volume-5 Issue-2, February 2020

Author’s Biography
Dr. George F. Zarotis is a lecturer at the Faculty for Human Sciences of the Aegean University in
Rhodes/Greece since 2004. He studied sports science at the German Sport University in Cologne as well as
prevention and rehabilitation through sport at the Ruhr-University Bochum (Master Degree). Furthermore, he
studied sports economics and sports management at the Open University Hagen. He achieved the Doctorate in
the subjects of leisure science and rehabilitation at the German Sport University Cologne (PhD). He started his
academic career as lecturer at the Institute for European Sports Development and Leisure Research of the
German Sport University Cologne and at the University of Applied Sciences for Applied Management in
Unna. Mr. Zarotis has published a number of books and scientific articles dealing with education,
management, kinetic education, psychology of sports and health studies in Greece and internationally. In 2020
Mr. Zarotis received the International Research Leadership Award as “International Distinguished Researcher
in Recreational Sport, Leisure and Health Studies”.

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